MONTRÉAL, February 17, 2009 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced funding for this summer's Just for Laughs Festival.
"Our Government recognizes the primary importance of creativity and cultural innovation, not only for the vitality of our culture, but also for the growth of our economy," said Minister Moore. "This is why we are proud to support the Just for Laughs Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year and bring significant economic benefits, while enriching Montréal's cultural tapestry."
"The Just for Laughs Festival is well known throughout Canada and around the world," added Minister Moore. "As the Festival grows and its comedians tour, it will continue to be a universally recognized symbol of Montréal's joie de vivre ."
Before making this announcement, Minister Moore met with Gilbert Rozon, founder of the Festival, to discuss the organization's future projects.
"Just for Laughs is so much more than just a festival. It's the life of a city, the branding of Montréal, and creativity from both home and abroad," said Mr. Rozon. "It also represents cultural tourism and a major economic impact for the government."
The 27 th Festival will take place from July 3 to 26, 2009.
Each year, the Just for Laughs Festival offers its nearly 2 million spectators a rich program of indoor and outdoor activities that features almost 1000 performances in comedy and other disciplines, including theatre, dance, street arts, and visual arts presented by more than 800 artists from Canada and abroad.
About 750 of the shows will be offered free of charge. Various activities that target groups like underprivileged youth, businesses, and members of ethnocultural communities will take place throughout the streets of the city's downtown core and at the Festival's different sites.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $1,000,000 through the Arts Presentation Canada Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Éric Amyot
Director, Regional Communications
Quebec Region
Canadian Heritage
514-283-4027
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
